a girl and her bag

Monday, July 02, 2007

Libby's "packed full of memories" bag is complete, and we couldn't be happier. She could hardly wait to pack it with things to take to the pool. I sewed 12 4x4 pieces together. And made 6 of these rows. Made a bottom that was two rows of four squares. Ironed pellon on to the back of each to make it a little sturdy.

I was going to use vinyl for the inside (because that is what my mother used) but could not find any to match. The woman at Joann's told me about a product that you iron over your fabric. It looks great and was easy to use. However, it is a little crunchy. Do you know what I mean by crunchy? Thin? I just hope it will hold up over time, but I wouldn't be surprised if it started to crack and peel.

I sewed the strap by machine only to where the lining started, and then did the rest by hand.

It really is a special bag. Each little print has a memory to it, that I will be reminded of every time I look at the bag. I do regret one thing. Not using the bumble bee dress. Honestly. I would have really loved to have had that fabric in this bag, and not tucked away in a box.

The first thing Libby said was " I love it! I cant' wait to take it to college!". She is 9 years old. Already packing for college! I just hope that one day (way after college) she finds it packed in a box and thinks of it as a treasure. I think she will, she already does.

you have to love a girl who is planning what accessories to take to college when she is 9 years old! the bag looks amazing and i really like the green straps. i am sure bumblebee will find new life in another project!

My daughter's beach bag has a zippered pouch on the inside for holding change and things. Maybe you could use the bee fabric for a pouch. I guess it's too late to sew it into the bag, but maybe you could loop it around the handle.

i've been eager to see the results of your work. . . it's lovely! Sooo cute!! when bob took the boys golfing and you blogged about your knitting i wanted to say "what about libby's bag, you should be working on that." now i see it and it is well worth the wait. so glad i checked your blog before going to sleep. you are such a good mom!

Oh wow, it is so beautiful!! It turned out great, what a special bag. BTW...I have used that iron-on vinyl before and it seems more sturdy than it appears at first. Although I haven't used it to line a bag, so I can't speak to that.

this post brought tears to my eyes. my mom wasn't so much like this - one to make me a bag or share these types of things. how i wish i could read her words and connect with her in the way your daughter will with you one day.

I love this bag . . and actually, pretty much everything you sew. The last few lines of this post really got to me. I can remember packing for college and my little sister (we about died being separated) kept running up to me with little mementos to pack for me to take. Each time we sat and cuddled and cried and remembered. I'm sure she'll have fond memories of everything you guys do. *hugs*